As workforce expectations evolve, a key question is emerging: should organizations pay for the position an employee holds or the skills they contribute? For hourly workers, the answer carries significant implications for equity, engagement, and career growth.

In this session, Lorrain McCurdy from Republic Services and LaCinda Glover from Mercer will share how they are testing skills-based pay frameworks, the realities of scaling these models in frontline environments, and what innovative approaches could mean for industries built on hourly labor. Participants can expect candid insights, data-driven lessons, and a glimpse into what’s next for skills-focused rewards.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand the core differences between role-based and skills-based pay and learn when each approach delivers the most value for hourly workers.
• Explore actionable methods to identify, measure, and reward skills in frontline roles while maintaining simplicity and fairness.
• Discover forward-looking principles for designing pay programs that strengthen retention, support mobility, and prepare the workforce for a skills-driven future.